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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Quilt Along | 6. Wonky Bento Box-Style Block

Hello, friends!

I apologize that it's taken longer than expected to post this fourth and final block for the quilt-along. I really didn't know what to call this block, but it seems to me like a wonky version of the popular bento box block. I'm sure that many of you perceptive folks have already figured out that it's just four smaller quarter log cabin squares arranged in a "round-the-block"-type manner.

Let's get started, shall we? I'm sure you could have guessed by now that we always start with a square:

This is likely a good time to trim up and see how you're faring. First, I trimmed up the sides:

Then, I didn't really like the point forming at the top right of the block ...

... so I trimmed the block again to even it out:

I used a 6.5" square cutting ruler to check my progress:

Looks like one more wide border will do it:

Cool. Now I can use my ruler to square up the block:

Ta-da! A nice & neat, trimmed-up 6.5" block:

Now make three more 6.5" blocks:

Arrange them in a way that's pleasing to your eye:

Sew two pairs of blocks together, and be sure to press the seams in opposing directions. For example, in the picture below, the seam that joins the top two blocks is pressed to the right, while the one joining the bottom two is pressed to the left:

Here's a picture of the back of the blocks at this point (just because I think y'all enjoyed seeing the block backs in previous posts):

Finally, join the block pairs together to get your 12.5" block:

And there you have it!

This block takes just a little bit longer to make than the others, but I think that extra work is rewarded by the more complex look that it achieves. I am in love with its final effect and think that an entire quilt made from these blocks would be stunning.

Edited to add:Looking for a shortcut? You can always make a couple of larger wonky log cabin blocks, cut them into quarters, and rearrange them to achieve the same effect. Your block would have to be 13" square to yield four 6.5" quarter blocks. My only advice here is to make sure you start with a pretty large starting (center) square, so that it's not lost when cut up. Oh, and you also need to be careful to keep that center square fairly centered in the block.

I had intended to include this tip but forgot when writing the post. Thanks, Tami, for suggesting the idea in your comment and reminded me to come back and amend the tutorial!

So that's it! You're now armed with the information you need to make four different variations of the wonky log cabin block. Now the decisions are yours: how many blocks your quilt will be, and which style(s) you'll use. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! I really can't wait to see what you come up with!

Don't forget to post your pictures to the Flickr pool. I'll check back in a few days with some reminders of wonderful resources for basting, quilting, and binding your quilt.

Is there some reason why you couldn't just make 4 blocks that are full wonky blocks but larger (to allow for seam allowances) then cut those in quarters and mix up the pieces? I'd think that might be a little quicker? Can you think of something that would make that a less desirable way to do it?

I absolutely loved the Wonky Bento Box. I have been searching all over for a quilt design that would fit my nine year old daughter for christmas and this is for sure it! Thank you very much and your work is amazing.